Arc8 Evolve FS put through its paces: The test-winning race full-suspension bike put to the test

"Never before has a Racefully been so light, so powerful and, at the same time, so confident on descents." With these words, BIKE magazine tried to persuade me, just under a year ago, to take the Arc8 Evolve FS on as a long-term test bike. As an amateur racing cyclist, I was the perfect candidate to put the test-winning bike through its paces and see whether it could deliver on its promises in the long run – namely, the fastest times, both uphill and downhill. I accepted the challenge. Over the following eight months, I put the Arc8 through its paces, clocking up around 3,000 kilometres and 70,000 metres of elevation gain. I covered the majority of this distance whilst training on my local trails around Würzburg. To push the bike to its limits every now and then, I also took the Evolve FS out onto rough trails in the Alps during a training camp. The Arc8 got to prove its racing prowess at events including the Riva Bike Marathon.

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Facts about the Arc8 Evolve FS

• Frame material: Carbon
• Price / Weight: 8,999 euros / 9.8 kilograms
• Size / Reach: Medium / 465 mm
• Suspension travel: front / rear: 120 mm / 110 mm
• Wheels: Newmen Advanced SL X.A.30
• Front fork / Shock absorber: Fox 34 Float Factory SC Remote / Fox Float DPS Factory
• Drive: Shimano XTR
• Mileage: 3,073 kilometres / 72,312 metres of elevation gain

I hate to admit it about myself, but as a racing cyclist I’m really fussy when it comes to bike set-up. Although the Arc8 provides a great base, a bit of fine-tuning was still needed to adapt it perfectly to my requirements. First thing I did: shorten the handlebars. 800 millimetres is ridiculously wide for a race bike. My sweet spot is 750 millimetres. I also swapped out the pre-fitted saddle for a Hypersaddle from Bike Ahead. Not only does it reduce the weight slightly, but it also offers me greater comfort on long rides. Add to that a Rotor power metre crankset for precise power data, as well as the obligatory two bottle cages, and this carbon rocket was ready for the race track.

After my first marathon ride, both volume spacers flew out of the fork. Why? The front end was too progressive for me. Over long distances, my shoulders suffered the most as a result. With the larger air chamber, however, the fork feels very responsive, and from then on I made full use of the suspension travel. The only major criticism: the cockpit looks like the space under Hempel’s sofa. The lengths of all the cables and hoses aren’t well matched to the frame size. With two brake hoses and three cables (dropper post, lockout, gears), this results in a massive cable mess – I would have expected a neater solution on a bike costing 8,999 euros.

Low maintenance, minimal wear and tear

When it came to durability, I was particularly interested in the bike’s exceptional rear triangle design. The minimalist shock linkage, with its two guide cylinders, saves weight, increases stiffness and, at the same time, simulates an infinitely long lever arm. From a purely functional perspective, this offers nothing but advantages. When it came to durability, however, I was sceptical. To simulate the worst-case scenario, the bike received only the bare minimum of maintenance and was given a good blast with the steam cleaner.

Yet even after eight months of my neglectful treatment, the Arc8 still has nothing but a weary smile to offer. Creaking or other annoying noises? Not a trace! The inspection in the BIKE lab also speaks in the Arc8’s favour: all the bearings run smoothly and without play, the guide cylinders look as good as new, and even the wiper rings are still intact. However, anyone wishing to ride the Arc8 for more than one season should take a look behind the wiper rings from time to time. Dust and fine dirt had built up here on my test bike. Otherwise, the bike shows only the usual signs of wear and tear: the brake discs are due for replacement, the foam grips are worn, and the brake pads need replacing.

Conclusion by Max Fehr, BIKE long-term tester

Even after eight months of continuous use, the Arc8 Evolve FS still thrills me just as much as it did on the first day. In my view, the Swiss have created the perfect race bike: fast on the track, fun for everyday use and, above all, durable. Well done!